MOSCOW: May 24, 2010His Holiness Patriarch Kirill Congratulates Bishop George of Mayfield and Awards the Second Order of St Seraphim of Sarov

To His Grace Bishop George of Mayfield,

Vicar Bishop of the Eastern American Diocese

Your Grace!

I send you my heartfelt greetings on this significant day—your 60th birthday.

Having chosen the monastic path at an early age, you took the good yoke of Christ upon your shoulders, so that through obedience, good deeds and preaching you might serve the Savior and His Holy Church. You have come to spiritual maturity in the glorious monasteries of America and Holy Mount Athos, and this experience has strengthened you now, helping you to be “an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).

As Vicar Bishop of the Diocese of Eastern America and New York, you earnestly perform your archpastoral service, teaching monastics and laypersons alike the faith in Christ and Holy Orthodoxy. It brings joy that by your prayers and cares, materials on Russian saints and podvizhniki are being translated and published, strengthening the spiritual bonds between the American and Russian flocks.

In recognition of your zealous work for the benefit of the Mother Church and in connection with your birthday, I deem it proper to award you the Second Order of St Seraphim of Sarov.

May the Blessed Lord strengthen Your Grace in your future service in the harvest-fields of Christ, granting you health, unlimited patience and peaceful life for many blessed years.